In Loving Memory of Henry Wayne Goad

January 29, 1940 – October 10, 2026

Henry Wayne Goad, 86, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026. He was born on January 29, 1940, in Leasburg, North Carolina—though his birthday was a subject of family debate for years. He arrived during a snowstorm, born at home while his father, Lee, went to fetch the doctor.

Henry grew up in rural North Carolina and Virginia with his five brothers and sisters, forming lifelong bonds built on love and a steady stream of practical jokes. In 1957, he joined the United States Air Force and served in Thule, Greenland, and later served at Castle Air Force Base, California. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

A true Goad, Henry could fix anything. He started his own HVAC company in California before returning to Virginia, where he worked in Civil Service at Fort Lee. His hands were rarely still—he was a talented carpenter who crafted china cabinets, wooden keepsake boxes, birdhouses, picnic tables, and countless other pieces that will be cherished for generations.

Henry’s humor was one of his greatest gifts. He loved to laugh, and he loved making others laugh even more. Whether he was playing a joke on a sibling, chatting with a grocery store clerk, or spinning a 15‑minute story that ended in a punchline, Henry was a natural storyteller.

After moving to Colonial Heights, Henry found a close-knit “coffee crew” he met with daily. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, grabbing a bargain at a yard sale, trips to the casino with his sister Gayle and his daughter‑in‑law Kim—simple moments that brought him great happiness.

Henry is survived by his younger sister and best friend, Gayle Fleming; his children Wayne Goad (Kim), David Goad, Tim Goad, and Sian Teresa Goad; and his grandchildren Nathan Goad (Breana), Avery Goad, and Kristin Hilliard (Chase). He was blessed with six great‑grandchildren and was delighted to learn that Wyatt would soon have a baby sister.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Leonard Goad and Clellie Ellington Goad, and his siblings Nadine West, Robert “Bobby” Goad, David Goad, Eva Goad and his grandson Dustin Reason.

Henry lived a life full of laughter, craftsmanship, service, and love. His stories, his humor, and his steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life service will be held Monday, November 23, 2026,  from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. 

Henry will be buried at Amelia -Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery,10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House, VA. The site service will be private. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com